'Gill must eye WTC high,' says former star Mohammed Kaif

India skipper Shubman Gill during Day Three of the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo recently. Pic/BCCI

Former India batter Mohammed Kaif insists India captain Shubman Gill must look at the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka as the first step towards moving closer to reaching the 2025-2027 World Test Championship (WTC) final. India lost 0-2 against South Africa in this WTC cycle in November 2025 and are currently ranked fifth.

Kaif, 45, reckoned skipper Gill must stamp his authority on the Sri Lanka series and use it to turn around the fortunes of his team. "Shubman should be thinking about turning things around as India can still qualify for the WTC final. It's not easy, but if we start winning matches consistently, we can make a comeback from here as well. So, let's take it match by match. Let's win here [in SL] and take this form ahead," Kaif, a member of the Sony Sports Network commentary panel, told mid-day in an interview on Wednesday.

Mohammed Kaif. Pic/Satej Shinde

After the second Test in Colombo (August 23-27), India will play two away Tests against New Zealand in November, after which they will host Australia for a five-match series in January and February next year.

India won their practice match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo a couple of days ago, and Kaif believes the Galle pitch for the opening Test, beginning on August 15, will not be a rank turner initially.

"The Indian team has been practising well. They won their three-day game and, overall, look to be in good shape. There is too much talk about turning tracks, but I don't think it [Galle] will be a turning strip. In the first two days, it will be a good pitch and seamers can have their say. It could also be a good batting pitch for the first two-three days, after which the ball will turn on the fourth and fifth days," said Kaif, who played three of his 13 Tests in Sri Lanka.

Kaif felt Gill & Co must make winning a habit.

"After this, there's New Zealand, who are a tough side. So, let's start winning now. Shubman has been a bit unfortunate as captain, with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah getting injured. When Virat Kohli was captain, his bowling line-up had [pacers] Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Bumrah. But still, we have some good players, good batters. Shubman just needs to bring his team together. The WTC final should be on his mind," concluded Kaif.

[popcorn number="Five" desc="India's current ranking in the WTC points table" class="Default"]